Bender extends Leverkusen deal

Lars Bender has extended his contract at Bayer Leverkusen until 2015, according to reports.

The midfielder, who signed for the North Rhine-Westphalian outfit in 2009 from 1860 Munich has taken up the option to extend his original five-year deal by another season, German newspaper Bild reported on Sunday.

The 22-year-old originally cost the club 2.5 million euros and has since become an integral member of the Leverkusen squad while also earning four caps with the Germany national team.

Bayer sporting director Rudi Voller said: “Lars (Bender) is an important component to the future of the club.”

Bender was involved in his team’s 2-0 home win against Bayern Munich on Saturday, a result which leaves his side in fifth place, four points behind Schalke.